Next-gen fighter aircraft are some of the most advanced and expensive gadgets ever conceived. They are not just about velocity; they’re a synergistic combination of stealth, sensors, firepower, and state-of-the-art electronics that dominate the skies. Governments spend billions to maintain air superiority and battlefield awareness, and these best jets are the most expensive in 2024, from high-speed stealth planes to better air superiority aircraft.
10. FC-31/J-35 – $70 million
The FC-31, or J-31/Gyrfalcon, is an adaptable fifth-generation stealth fighter. Its radar-absorbing structure, double engines for stability, and internally mounted weapons bay reduce visibility without sacrificing performance. An affordable J-35 variant with production capabilities is in development, estimated to cost between $70 million and $85 million per aircraft.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 million
The Super Hornet has been a workhorse carrier for decades. More powerful and bigger than the Hornet, it carries more payload, has longer mission durations, and withstands extreme operations. The single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F variants are priced in the range of $67 million and $73 million, whereas the electronic warfare E/A-18G Growler is priced up to $80 million. It has stayed versatile for so long.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 million
Sweden’s Gripen E/F is a prime example that the best does not necessarily have to mean the most expensive. Its AESA radar, intelligent onboard systems, and integrated data link form it into a lightweight, reliable, and very capable multirole combatant. Its one-seat and two-seat configurations are priced at about $85 million.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 million
Su-35 is a highly agile air superiority fighter with thrust-vectoring engines that provide phenomenal handling in close combat. Though not stealth, it compromises on speed, agility, and advanced avionics to provide effectiveness in battle. Its cost varies at $85 million, and domestic production makes it cost-effective.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 million
The F-15EX is the new version of the iconic Eagle. It can fly at speeds greater than Mach 2.5 and load more than 13 tons of ordnance, making it often called a “missile truck.” Prices have increased to $97 million, from earlier projections of under $80 million. This fighter will take the place of older F-15s and will be in service for decades.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 million
The F-35 is history’s most ambitious aircraft program. It comes in conventional takeoff, short takeoff/vertical landing, and carrier-capable versions, and is world-leading in stealth, sensor fusion, and networked combat. The STOVL F-35B is $109 million on average, both a reflection of its advanced capabilities and of evolving operational needs.
4. J-20 – $110 million
This fifth-generation fighter combines stealth, internal weapons bays, and strong engines for high-speed, long-range capability. Future upgrades will enhance the maneuverability of the aircraft and include more advanced avionics. Analysts approximate a unit price of approximately $110 million, which represents an investment in technology.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 million
Developed by various European countries, the Typhoon excels in air-to-air combat and multirole operations. It can fly at speeds of more than Mach 2 and react instantly to threats because of a high thrust-to-weight ratio. Its advanced radar, infrared search modes, and defense electronics allow it to achieve and deliver, with export versions costing an average of $117 million.
2. Dassault Rafale – $125 million
Rafale is a real multirole fighter, with air superiority, strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear mission capabilities. Its canard and delta wing design boasts extremely high maneuverability, and electronic warfare systems to maximize survivability in hostile environments. All its planes cost around $125 million and have been hotly sought after by foreign purchasers.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $143 million
The F-22 is widely known to be the final word in air dominance fighters. The plane boasts stealth, supercruise, and unmatched maneuverability to be nearly invisible and lethal in the air. Officially priced at $143 million per unit, program costs push the effective price to as high as $334 million. With limited production, it remains one of the highest-level fighter planes ever made.
From multirole agile fighters to stealth air dominance fighter aircraft, these fighter aircraft represent the zenith of contemporary aviation technology. Nations are willing to shell out billions to protect their skies, and these aircraft represent the ultimate symbol of that commitment.